According to sources from the media (media), education received in German schools is considered one of the best. Therefore, it is in great demand among foreign citizens. Now in Russia it has become fashionable to send a child to study in other European countries, one of which is Germany. But, before sending your child to school in Germany, you yourself need to have an idea of the rating of educational institutions, their structure and requirements for the educational process.
German elementary schools
In Germany, the educational process at the school begins at the age of 6 and lasts 4 years. The exceptions are schools in Berlin. Primary education has been going on for 6 years.
In Germany, schooling is compulsory for all children. Every year in January, an interview is conducted with children who go to first grade. The degree of readiness of the child for the school educational process is determined. This interview is conducted with the help of social psychologists and doctors. If the child is not suitable for the school according to several indicators, he is left for another school year in kindergarten or enrolled in a special group to prepare for school.
An elementary school in Germany does not provide a grading system for the first two years of education. In the first and second grades, the class teacher is obliged to draw up a detailed description for each student twice in the school year. Starting from the third grade, students receive a report card twice a year, in which all grades in subjects are set.
At the end of elementary school, after passing the test, students receive diplomas with grades and recommendations on the direction of further education - these are gymnasiums (for the most successful children), comprehensive schools, lyceums.
German secondary education
After finishing elementary school, children continue their education. Only, unlike Russian children, each child goes to his own school, determined by the passed testing and characterization from primary school.
Education in German schools of the second stage takes into account the personal qualities of students and is determined in accordance with the profile of education.
- Hauptschule - the training period is 5-6 years. At the exit, the student can go to work at a low-paying job or go to a vocational school.
- Realschule - the training period is 6 years and allows the student to enter the upper grades of the gymnasium or find a more prestigious job. This school is intended for children who received an average mark at the initial educational level.
- Gymnasium - the training period is 8-9 years. Children receive knowledge of foreign languages and natural sciences, deeply study mathematics, technology and art, and prepare to enter universities.
- Gesamtchule - is something between a gymnasium and a real school, without an additional bias in technology and humanities.
Grade system in German schools
Entering a school in Germany, you must know their grade system. It differs from the Russian one in two ways:
- students' knowledge is evaluated on a six-point scale;
- estimates are set on the principle of mirror reflection to Russian.
The lowest mark in German schools is 6 points. Further marks are set on this principle:
- Poor - 5 points.
- Very mediocre - 4 points.
- Satisfactory - 3 points.
- Good - 2 points.
- Excellent - 1 point.
On the basis of the assessments obtained, during the course of primary school education , children are distributed to secondary schools, which are already inextricably linked with the definition of a child in a large life.
Types of German schools
When sending a child to study in a school in Germany, you need to know what types of schools exist there.
International schools were created for children of foreign citizens who wish to receive education in accordance with the German system. To enter this type of school, the child must have German communication skills corresponding to level B2 according to the European assessment system.
Boarding schools are designed for children of citizens of Germany and other countries belonging to the category of affluent. The level of knowledge of the German language should be higher than for schools of the international type. Children live in residential buildings located in picturesque places of Germany belonging to this educational institution.
Russian schools provide an opportunity for Russian children to receive a decent European education. Communication in institutions takes place in two languages, with great emphasis on German.
Waldorf School
Parents have a choice between public and private schools. The Waldorf School is a private category. Germany carefully monitors the educational process in these institutions. Much attention is paid to the education of the inner world of the child and his personal qualities based on an individual approach. All communication is built in the spirit of brotherhood and unity.
About 20% of children at the Waldorf School are students with a migratory background. The Waldorf school immediately provides two levels of education (primary and secondary), so getting into it “from the side” can be quite difficult.
The best schools in Germany
When asked which schools in Germany are considered the best, media sources give the following answer:
- Pensions - Bon Boyel School, Ahern Grammar School, St. Allosius College, Odenwald School. The cost of training in these schools is paid by the state budget, and accommodation, meals and additional services are paid by the parents of the students.
- The best private schools are Brandenburg International School, Neubeuern School, Torgelov Gymnasium, St. George's School, Salem School.
All these educational institutions are similar in the uniformity of academic disciplines. The only difference is in the range of the provision of additional educational services. In addition, schools are shared by prestige. Children from wealthy families in most cases study in private educational institutions. Here, individual lessons are held with those guys who are behind in some subjects.
How to enter school in Germany?
Entering a German school, the child needs to overcome the minimum level of requirements:
- Knowledge of the German language must comply with level B1-B2 according to European standards. The requirements for knowledge of English are determined by the educational institution.
- It is necessary to provide a list of annual grades obtained during studies in Russia over the past two years.
- It is necessary to present a letter of recommendation with a full description of the student, made on the letterhead of the school administration of the school.
Parents should come to the chosen educational institution in advance and write a statement. You should take a birth certificate with you.
How much will you have to pay?
Well, of course, in addition to all the above requirements, parents should really assess the child’s desire to learn and their material well-being. The cost of studying in Germany ranges from 11,600 to 40,000 euros. Payment must be made during the first semester.
Whatever education is chosen for the child, it must be successful and worthy!